AEC joins International Civil Aviation Day

Alternative Education Center joined the International Civil Aviation Day celebration on December 7, 2023, with the theme Advancing Innovation for Global Aviation Development. The purpose of International Civil Aviation Day is to help generate and reinforce worldwide awareness of the importance of international civil aviation to the social and economic development of countries and states. It also promotes the unique role of ICAO in helping countries cooperate and realize a truly global rapid transit network at the service of all mankind.

AEC students discussed degree programs and careers that would lead to working in the airplane industry and reflected on their interest in this field. They related the concept of flying to dreaming big for their bright future. Students played a card game to discuss dreams and aspirations despite experiences of challenges and abuse. They created stories reflecting future plans using story cubes. They then used an airplane coloring activity to identify and describe loved ones who would support them and fly with them as they strive to reach their dreams. Students discussed how the celebration and activities promote the global goal of decent work and economic growth.

AEC celebrates International Day of Banks

Alternative Education Center celebrated International Day of Banks on December 4, 2023. The celebration recognizes the significant potential of multilateral development banks and other international development banks in financing sustainable development and the vital role of the banking systems in the UN Member States in improving the standard of living. The major goal is to achieve sustainable development in its three dimensions – economic, social, and environmental. 

Students at the Alternative Education Center discussed lessons on banking and financial literacy and ways other core areas could support the promotion of financial literacy. English could train students to read and communicate financial activities. Social Studies could help students see the personal, societal, and governmental benefits of effective financial management. Lastly, Science could teach students to use scientific problem-solving strategies to combat financial dilemmas that impact other problems of the world. On a personal level, through a guidance lesson group activity, students recognized and explained ways to earn money other than illegal activities, such as dealing drugs. Using art, students visualized their future means to earn money that is legal and something they and their families could be proud of. Students discussed how their little economic contribution could help meet the global goal of decent work and economic growth.

AEC joins International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

Alternative Education Center joined the celebration of International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women observed on November 25, 2023, and the UNiTE campaign from November 25th to December 10th, an initiative of 16 days of activism to help end women's rights violations. This 2023 campaign Invest to Prevent Violence against Women and Girls calls on all people to show how much they care about ending violence against these groups and call on governments all over the world to share how they intentionally invest in the prevention of gender-based violence.

At AEC, students recognized perspectives and discussed ideas on how to support women at home, in society, in the country, and in the world to promote the global goals of gender equality and reduced inequalities. Students identified anger as the root cause of violence. They shared how to regulate their own anger by playing Totika game on anger. Then, they created a storybook to describe the many things they are thankful for about the woman they love and care about in life and are willing to protect from any form of violence.

AEC celebrates World Science Day for Peace and Development

With this year's theme Building Trust in Science, Alternative Education Center celebrated World Science Day for Peace and Development on November 10, 2023. World Science Day highlights the significant role of science in society and the need to engage the world in addressing scientific issues. The celebration undescores the significance of science in our daily lives. Scientific innovations, however, start with our trust in science.

Students at AEC discussed about local scientific innovations that helped develop Odessa. Many referenced the oil and gas production in the region that was made possible through science. Students discussed related careers to sustain Odessa's progress and skills needed to achieve them by playing Career and School Success Thumballs. They also played modified Owl Pal Truth cards to challenge their trust in science and perceptions about their abilities. They then used art therapy to demonstrate their future scientific contributions to maintain Odessa's peace and development. Students discussed how the activities helped promote wellness practices and the global goal of industry, innovation, and infrastructure.

AEC observes International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists

Alternative Education Center observed the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists on November 2-3, 2023. The observance raises awareness of the major challenges journalists face in exercising their profession and the role they play in society. This year's theme focuses on the violence against journalists, the integrity of elections, and the role of public leadership.

Students at AEC explored courses and degrees that may lead to becoming journalists, journalism career opportunities, and journalists' responsibilities. They read a local news article Grant helps counselors take a different approach at AEC that promotes community awareness of recent counseling activities at AEC. Local journalists help communicate to the community what AEC does for at-risk students in Odessa. They also help spread awareness of the recent district bond election that impacts the students of Odessa. Students at AEC did a coloring therapy activity with a journalism theme and discussed ways to help eliminate violence against journalists. Students then related journalist violence with similar violence faced by teenagers by playing a modified Teenage Violence card game. They discussed how the observance promotes wellness practices and the global goal of peace, justice, and strong institutions.

AEC celebrates World Day for Audiovisual Heritage

Alternative Education Center celebrated World Day for Audiovisual Heritage on October 27, 2023, with the theme “Your Window to the World.” The celebration is a commemoration of the adoption of the Recommendation for the Safeguarding and Preservation of Moving Images in 1980 by the UN's 21st General Conference. It provides an avenue for people around the world to raise general awareness of the importance of audiovisual documents and to take urgent measures to preserve them. 

Students at the Alternative Education Center watched a video depicting Odessa, TX, heritage and culture. Students shared their own heritage, culture, and identity. They drew and explained their cultural strengths inherited from their families. They then played a counseling card game called Superhero Strengths, recognizing that real-life superheroes accept their weaknesses and turn them into strengths. Students discussed how the celebration promotes wellness practices and the global goal of good health and well-being.

AEC celebrates International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction

Alternative Education Center joined the world in celebrating the International Day for Disaster Reduction on October 13, 2023, with the theme, Fighting Inequality for a Resilient Future. This year’s celebration addressed the connection between disasters and inequality. Unequal access to services leaves the most vulnerable exposed to the danger of disasters. The theme aligns with the Sendai Framework, the international agreement to prevent and reduce losses in lives, livelihoods, economies, and basic infrastructure when disasters occur.

At AEC, students discussed the disasters they experienced in town and ways to address them to maintain wellness practices and achieve the global goals of climate action and reduced inequalities. Many remembered the most devastating winter storm of February 2021, with hails damaging cars and houses and snow causing power outages for days. However, Texans were resilient and stood back up after the disaster regardless of property damages or even deaths of family members due to the storm. Students identified careers of choice to help the city withstand disasters, drew what their future career contributions could look like, and discussed social skills needed to achieve their careers.

AEC global education project changes focus

Alternative Education Center changed its global education project focus from writing across the curriculum to counseling. The change aligned with the project founder's role transition from Math Department Head to School Counselor. The 2022-2023 school year focused on counseling and integrating global sustainable development goals and global competence through the lens of local issues and challenges. The project founder's Fullbright Fellowship in Canada equipped him with the knowledge and skills to continue advocating for global education while carrying the role of School Counselor. His visits to various highly performing schools and meetings with education agency officials and U.S. Ambassadors in Toronto and Quebec gifted him with innumerable ideas to share with the AEC community. 

In line with the identified school counseling need for intrapersonal effectiveness for S.Y. 2022-2023 and the global sustainable development goal of good health and well-being, Alternative Education Center streamlined its school resources for the smooth implementation of 7 Mindsets, the ECISD-recommended program to teach guidance and SEL skills. Furthermore, the school partnered with various local and national organizations to help promote students' health, well-being, and intrapersonal skills.